The importance of fixing specifications

Date: 12 December, 2018

In the latest of our series Mat Woodyatt, from BMI UK & Ireland, looks at the risks of not observing minimum fix standards.

Under the old standard – prior to the introduction of BS 5534: 2014 + A2: 2018 Code of Practice for Slating and Tiling – it was expected, as a minimum, to fix tiles once around the perimeter. This is not much in the way of fixing, if you consider the minimum fix now for large format concrete is once fixed on every tile and twice around the perimeter.

Even with the old ‘once round the perimeter’ requirement, there were occasions when some contractors felt that this was too much trouble and tiles were laid with insufficient fixings.

Expensive repairs

The result of neglecting the fixing standard – then old, now BS 5534 – is quite plain: at some point those tiles will leave the roof. Not only is this very expensive to repair, it is also incredibly dangerous – people have been killed by kinetic roof materials. The core business of any roofer is to keep the water out and the tiles on and there is little excuse for failing in this way.

It has never been easier to obtain a fixing specification with manufacturers offering online instant fixing specs such as the BMI Redland FixMaster service. You are only ever a few clicks and a short online form away from holding a fixing specification for any roof.

Do not mistake the minimum fix for a generic solution for all roofs. Fixing specifications are bespoke. Every property, every manufacturer and every fixing brings variables to the calculation making a one size fits all approach impossible. Always get a fixing specification and once you have it make sure you follow it.